Fluid sample collection system for pumped fluid source

ABSTRACT

A fluid sample collection system for directly collecting a fluid sample from a fluid source includes a fluid collector and a fluid line. The fluid collector includes (i) a sample vial including a sample vial body and a vial cap that is selectively coupled and sealed to the sample vial body; (ii) a collector body that defines a passenger vial chamber, the sample vial being positioned at least partially within the passenger vial chamber during collection of the fluid; and (iii) a cap access facilitator that is configured to engage a portion of the sample vial to enable a user to selectively couple the vial cap to the sample vial body to seal the sample vial so that the fluid is retained within the sample vial. The fluid line extends between the fluid source and the fluid collector to substantially directly transmit the fluid sample to the fluid collector without exposing the fluid sample to the ambient environment that surrounds the fluid sample collection system.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/893,369, filed on Feb. 9, 2018, and entitled“FLUID SAMPLE COLLECTION SYSTEM FOR PUMPED FLUID SOURCE”. U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/893,369 claims priority on U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 62/459,996, filed on Feb. 16, 2017 and entitled“FLUID SAMPLE COLLECTION SYSTEM FROM PUMPS IN WELLS”. As far aspermitted, the contents of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/893,369,and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/459,996, are incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), phosphoribosylformylglycinamidinesynthase, perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAs), includingperfluoroalkyl acids such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA),perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), hydrogen sulfide and numerous othercontaminants, are unstable upon removal from their in-situ, residentlocation as a result of mass loss and/or cross contamination from thesurrounding environment. Within an in-situ, subsurface, residentenvironment, these contaminants often times reach an equilibratedconcentration state that depends on the temperature, pressure, pH,dissolved oxygen, oxidation reduction potential as well as other factorssuch as the presence of other organic and inorganic constituents. Incombination, these factors define the equilibrated state in an aquiferor any other type of water bearing subsurface environment.

The volatile nature of VOCs and PFAs in solution and the losses thatoccur from exsolution due to changes in water chemistry and samplingconditions has been a problem faced by the environmental industry fordecades. Sample concentration accuracy has been exhaustively studied andis a key focus of various litigation cases involving VOC groundwatercontamination.

Unfortunately, removal of groundwater samples from their pore spaceenvironment can be accompanied by various factors that may adverselyimpact the sample concentration accuracy. For example, removal ofgroundwater samples from their pore space environment can be accompaniedby factors such as (i) a decrease in hydrostatic pressure duringretrieval to the surface, (ii) transferring of the sample to anothercontainer at the surface, (iii) the vapor pressure of organic moleculesin solution, (iv) the proximal presence of atmosphericcross-contaminants from generators and gas powered vehicles thatpotentially dissolve into the groundwater sample during transfer, (v)the potential for UV degradation of the sample during transfer andwithin the glass sample vial itself, and (vi) the variability in termsof how the sample is handled from one field person to the next, whichcan all contribute to loss of volatile organic contaminants fromsolution and/or introduction of contaminants from the surroundingenvironment during the sample collection process. Even VOC degradationby microbial processes due to change in water chemistry parameters andintroduction of microbes from the surface environment can be a factor.To address these concerns, some field scientists transfer water quicklyfrom one vial to another, while others transfer water at a gentler,slower rate. Additionally, some field personnel fill the vial from thebottom using a transfer tube, while others place the transfer tube atthe top of the vial and allow the water to splash and aerate into thesample container. Still other field personnel fill the vial cap withwater and then quickly turn the cap over in the attempt to flood themeniscus to avoid introducing air bubbles to the inside of the vial;often times with repeated attempts to avoid introduction of air bubblesinto the sample.

Conventional methods of obtaining groundwater samples for chemicalanalysis have not been altogether satisfactory. In obtainingrepresentative groundwater samples for chemical analysis, currentpractice can require that a pump is lowered into a well or borehole(sometimes also referred to herein as a “groundwater source” or simplyas a “fluid source”) for the purpose of collecting a groundwater sample.When the pump reaches the required set depth, the pump can then beactuated by the operator at the ground surface.

The current procedures for how the samples are collected for VOCanalysis vary when using pumps. For some projects, low flow purge andsampling methods are used. For other projects, three to five wet casingvolumes are removed from the groundwater source prior to collecting asample with the pump. Once the required volume has been purged and/orwhen stabilization parameters such as pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen,oxidation reduction potential, specific conductivity and turbidity arereached, the field technician can then orient the discharge from thesample return line towards the bottle(s) or sample vial(s) that need tobe filled. It is during the transfer of groundwater from the pump'ssample return line tube to the vial container at the ground surfacewhere a large percentage of the dissolved VOCs are exsolved fromsolution due to the inherent vapor pressure of the organic molecules.Once the resident environment is breached, destabilization of thegroundwater equilibrium in which the organic molecule resides begins tooccur. In particular, current practice requires that a sampling deviceis lowered into a well or borehole, i.e. a fluid source, for the purposeof collecting a groundwater or other fluid sample. Once the apparatus isfilled with the fluid, the device is then retrieved back to the surface.At the ground surface, the operator then decants the fluid sample fromthe sampling device and transfers the fluid into a different containerin preparation for laboratory analysis. However, disturbance anddegradation of the sample can occur during the retrieval of the samplesto the surface as well as during the transfer to another container atthe surface.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed toward a fluid sample collectionsystem for directly collecting a fluid sample from a fluid sourcewithout exposing the fluid sample to an ambient environment thatsurrounds the fluid sample collection system. In certain embodiments,the fluid source can be a borehole or a well, a lake, a pond, a river,or another suitable fluid source. In various embodiments, the fluidsample collection system includes a fluid collector including (i) asample vial that is configured to retain fluid from the fluid source,the sample vial including a sample vial body and a vial cap that isselectively coupled and sealed to the sample vial body; (ii) a collectorbody that defines a passenger vial chamber, the sample vial beingpositioned at least partially within the passenger vial chamber duringcollection of the fluid; and (iii) a cap access facilitator that isconfigured to engage a portion of the sample vial to enable a user toselectively couple the vial cap to the sample vial body to seal thesample vial so that the fluid is retained within the sample vial.

In certain embodiments, the fluid sample collection system furtherincludes a fluid pass-through vessel that is configured to extendthrough an aperture in the collector body, the fluid pass-through vesselproviding a conduit through which the fluid flows from outside thecollector body and into the sample vial body. In some such embodiments,the fluid enters the fluid pass-through vessel after the fluid has beenremoved from the fluid source, but prior to the fluid entering thesample vial body. Additionally, the fluid collector can further includea system fluid inflow conduit that is configured to be positioned withinand extend through the aperture in the collector body. In suchembodiments, the fluid pass-through vessel is configured to extendthrough the system fluid inflow conduit.

Further, in some embodiments, the fluid pass-through vessel includes avessel distal end that is configured to be positioned near a bottom ofthe sample vial body.

Still further, the fluid sample collection system can further include apreservation assembly that is coupled in fluid communication to thefluid pass-through vessel, the preservation assembly being configured toselectively add a preservative to the fluid from the fluid source.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the fluid sample collection systemfurther includes a second fluid collector that is coupled to the fluidcollector, the second fluid collector including (i) a second sample vialthat is configured to retain fluid from the fluid source, the secondsample vial including a second sample vial body and a second vial capthat is selectively coupled and sealed to the second sample vial body;(ii) a second collector body that defines a second passenger vialchamber that is configured to selectively retain the second sample vialduring collection of the fluid; and (iii) a second cap accessfacilitator that is configured to engage a portion of the second samplevial to enable a user to selectively couple the second vial cap to thesecond sample vial body to seal the second sample vial so that the fluidis retained within the second sample vial.

In such embodiments, the fluid sample collection system can furtherinclude a distribution system that receives fluid from the fluid source,the distribution system being configured to distribute fluid to each ofthe fluid collector and the second fluid collector.

In certain embodiments, the fluid sample collection system furtherincludes a fluid parameter testing system that is configured to receiveexcess fluid from the fluid collector. The fluid parameter testingsystem includes a sensor that is configured to sense at least one fluidparameter of the excess fluid that is received from the fluid collector.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the fluid sample collection systemfurther includes a pump assembly that pumps the fluid out of the fluidsource and directs the fluid to the fluid collector. It is appreciated,however, that the fluid can be moved from the fluid source to the fluidcollector in another suitable manner, i.e. other than through the use ofa pump assembly.

In certain embodiments, the passenger vial chamber is configured toselectively retain a plurality of sample vials simultaneously.Additionally, in some embodiments, the passenger vial chamber is formedfrom a non-rigid material.

Additionally, in certain embodiments, the collector body further definesan antechamber that is positioned substantially adjacent to thepassenger vial chamber. The antechamber is configured to provide accessto the cap access facilitator for the user. Further, in suchembodiments, the antechamber is not in fluid communication with thepassenger vial chamber.

In some embodiments, the sample vial further includes a cap holder thatis coupled to the vial cap. In certain such embodiments, the cap accessfacilitator is configured to selectively engage and retain the capholder during selective coupling between the vial cap and the samplevial body.

Further, in various embodiments, the collector body includes a vialaperture, and the sample vial is moved into and out of the passengervial chamber through the vial aperture. In such embodiments, the fluidcollector can further include a vial aperture seal that seals aconnection between the sample vial and the collector body adjacent tothe vial aperture when the sample vial is positioned at least partiallywithin the passenger vial chamber.

The present invention is also directed toward a method for directlycollecting a fluid sample from a fluid source without exposing the fluidsample to an ambient environment, the method including the steps ofproviding a fluid collector that includes a collector body that definesa passenger vial chamber; positioning a sample vial at least partiallywithin the passenger vial chamber, the sample vial including a samplevial body and a vial cap that is selectively coupled and sealed to thesample vial body; receiving and retaining fluid from the fluid sourcewithin the sample vial body; and engaging a portion of the sample vialwith a cap access facilitator to selectively couple the vial cap to thesample vial body to seal the sample vial so that the fluid is retainedwithin the sample vial.

Additionally, in certain applications, the present invention is furtherdirected toward a fluid sample collection system including (A) a fluidcollector including (i) a sample vial that is configured to retain fluidfrom the fluid source, the sample vial including a sample vial body anda vial cap that is selectively coupled and sealed to the sample vialbody; (ii) a collector body that defines a passenger vial chamber, thesample vial being positioned at least partially within the passengervial chamber during collection of the fluid; and (iii) a cap accessfacilitator that is configured to engage a portion of the sample vial toenable a user to selectively couple the vial cap to the sample vial bodyto seal the sample vial so that the fluid is retained within the samplevial; (B) a pump assembly that pumps the fluid out of the fluid sourceand directs the fluid to the fluid collector; (C) a system fluid inflowconduit that is configured to be positioned within and extend through anaperture in the collector body; (D) a fluid pass-through vessel that isconfigured to extend through the system fluid inflow conduit, the fluidpass-through vessel providing a conduit through which the fluid flowsfrom outside the collector body and into the sample vial body, the fluidentering the fluid pass-through vessel after the fluid has been removedfrom the fluid source, but prior to the fluid entering the sample vialbody; and (E) a fluid parameter testing system that is configured toreceive excess fluid from the fluid collector, the fluid parametertesting system including a sensor that is configured to sense at leastone fluid parameter of the excess fluid that is received from the fluidcollector.

Further, the present invention is also directed toward a fluid samplecollection system including (A) a fluid collector including (i) a samplevial that is configured to retain preserved fluid from the raw fluidsource, the sample vial including a sample vial body and a vial cap thatis selectively coupled and sealed to the sample vial body; (ii) acollector body that defines a passenger vial chamber, the sample vialbeing positioned at least partially within the passenger vial chamberduring collection of the fluid; and (iii) a cap access facilitator thatis configured to engage a portion of the sample vial to enable a user toselectively couple the vial cap to the sample vial body to seal thesample vial so that the fluid is retained within the sample vial; (B) afluid mover that moves the raw fluid from the raw fluid source towardthe fluid collector; (C) a system fluid inflow conduit that isconfigured to be positioned within and extend through an aperture in thecollector body; (D) a fluid pass-through vessel that is configured toextend through the system fluid inflow conduit, the fluid pass-throughvessel providing a conduit through which the fluid flows from outsidethe collector body and into the sample vial body, the fluid entering thefluid pass-through vessel after the fluid has been removed from thefluid source, but prior to the fluid entering the sample vial body; and(E) a preservative assembly that is in fluid communication with thefluid pass-through vessel, the preservative assembly being configured toselectively add preservative material to raw fluid from the raw fluidsource to provide the preserved fluid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself,both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood fromthe accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdescription, in which similar reference characters can refer to similarparts, and in which:

FIG. 1A is a simplified schematic view illustration of a fluid sourceand an embodiment of a fluid sample collection system having features ofthe present invention that is positioned primarily outside of the fluidsource;

FIG. 1B is a simplified schematic view illustration of a portion of thefluid sample collection system illustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a partially exploded schematic view illustration of a portionof one embodiment of the fluid sample collection system, the fluidsample collection system including a fluid collector having a passengervial chamber and a sample vial assembly that is shown in a firstposition relative to the passenger vial chamber;

FIG. 2B is an exploded view illustration of the fluid collectorillustrated in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a simplified schematic front view illustration of the portionof the fluid sample collection system illustrated in FIG. 2A, the samplevial assembly being shown in a second position relative to the passengervial chamber;

FIG. 2D is a simplified schematic side view illustration of the portionof the fluid sample collection system illustrated in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2E is a simplified schematic front view illustration of the portionof the fluid sample collection system illustrated in FIG. 2A, the samplevial assembly being shown in a third position relative to the passengervial chamber;

FIG. 3A is a simplified schematic view illustration of an embodiment ofthe sample vial assembly and an embodiment of a cap access facilitatorthat is shown prior to engagement with a sample vial of the sample vialassembly;

FIG. 3B is a simplified schematic view illustration of the sample vialassembly and the cap access facilitator illustrated in FIG. 3A, with thecap access facilitator shown engaging the sample vial of the sample vialassembly;

FIG. 4A is a simplified schematic view illustration of a portion ofanother embodiment of the fluid sample collection system;

FIG. 4B is a sectional view of the portion of the fluid samplecollection system taken on line 4B-4B in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a simplified schematic view illustration of anotherembodiment of the sample vial assembly and another embodiment of aportion of the cap access facilitator that is shown prior to engagementwith a sample vial;

FIG. 5B is a simplified schematic illustration of the sample vialassembly and the portion of the cap access facilitator illustrated inFIG. 5A, with the cap access facilitator shown engaging the sample vial;and

FIG. 6 is a simplified flowchart illustrating one representative exampleof the procedure for removing a fluid sample from a fluid sourceutilizing the fluid sample collection system.

DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention are described herein in the contextof a fluid sample collection system (sometimes referred to herein as a“collection system”) and method for collecting fluid samples that havebeen removed from, e.g., pumped from, a fluid source. More particularly,the embodiments of the collection system and method described in detailherein help to provide much greater consistency during the collection offluid samples, while inhibiting exposure of the fluid samples toundesired environmental influences. Thus, the embodiments of thecollection system and method are able to provide greatly improvedaccuracy when evaluating the true level of contaminants within the fluidsource.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the followingdetailed description of the present invention is illustrative only andis not intended to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments of thepresent invention will readily suggest themselves to such skilledpersons having the benefit of this disclosure. Reference will now bemade in detail to implementations of the present invention asillustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same or similarnomenclature and/or reference indicators will be used throughout thedrawings and the following detailed description to refer to the same orlike parts.

In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of theimplementations described herein are shown and described. It will, ofcourse, be appreciated that in the development of any such actualimplementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be madein order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliancewith application-related and business-related constraints, and thatthese specific goals will vary from one implementation to another andfrom one developer to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated thatsuch a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but wouldnevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

FIG. 1A is a simplified schematic view illustration of a fluid source10, e.g., a groundwater production well (hereinafter a “groundwaterwell”) or borehole in this particular application, and an embodiment ofa fluid sample collection system 12 having features of the presentinvention that is positioned primarily outside of the groundwater well10.

It is appreciated that although the collection system 12 and methoddisclosed herein is primarily illustrated and described for use with agroundwater well or borehole, the collection system 12 and method isequally usable with any type of fluid source 10. For example, inaddition to being usable in conjunction with a groundwater well orborehole, the collection system 12 and method can also be used tocollect fluid samples from another type of fluid well, a lake, a pond, ariver, a barrel, a tank, a pressure vessel, a canister, a container, afunnel, or any other suitable fluid source. Thus, the specificdiscussions herein of use of the collection system 12 and method inconjunction with a groundwater well or borehole is not intended to belimiting in any manner.

Additionally, it is further appreciated that embodiments of thecollection system 12 as described herein can be used for variousindustrial applications, e.g., pharmacology, laboratory, beverages,etc., in addition to the noted use for collecting fluid samples fortesting environmental conditions of fluid resources.

The groundwater well 10 can be installed using any one of a number ofmethods known to those skilled in the art. In non-exclusive, alternativeexamples, the groundwater well 10 can be installed with hollow stemauger, sonic, air rotary casing hammer, dual wall percussion, dual tube,rotary drilling, vibratory direct push, cone penetrometer, cryogenic,ultrasonic and laser methods, or any other suitable method known tothose skilled in the art of drilling and/or well placement.

As illustrated, the groundwater well 10 can be said to include a surfaceregion 14 and a subsurface region 16. The surface region 14 is an areathat extends to and/or is positioned above a surface 18. The surface 18can either be a ground surface or the surface of a body of water orother liquid, as non-exclusive examples. The subsurface region 16 is theportion of the groundwater well 10 that is below the surface 18 andbelow the surface region 14, e.g., at a greater depth than the surfaceregion 14.

Additionally, as illustrated, the groundwater well 10 includes a supportcasing 20 and a well screen 22. The support casing 20 can be a hollow,generally cylinder-shaped structure that extends in a generally downwarddirection into the subsurface region 16 to help provide access togroundwater 24 (illustrated as a plurality of “x”s in FIG. 1A, sometimesreferred to herein simply as a “fluid”), or other fluids, present withinthe subsurface region 16. The support casing 20 can have any desiredthickness and can be formed from materials such as polyvinylchloride(PVC), other plastics, fiberglass, ceramics, metal, or other suitablematerials. Additionally, the length of the support casing 20 can bevaried to suit the specific design requirements of the groundwater well10 and/or depending on the specific locations of the desired groundwater24 within the subsurface region 16. Further, an inner diameter of thesupport casing 20 can vary depending upon the specific designrequirements of the groundwater well 10. It is understood that althoughthe support casing 20 is illustrated in FIG. 1A as being positionedsubstantially vertically, the support casing 20 and the other structuresof the groundwater well 10 can alternatively be positioned at anysuitable angle relative to vertical.

The well screen 22 extends from and/or forms a portion of the supportcasing 20 within the subsurface region 16. The well screen 22 cancomprise a perforated pipe that provides an access means through whichthe groundwater 24 enters the groundwater well 10. As illustrated, thewell screen 22 is adapted to be positioned at a level within thesubsurface region 16 in vertical alignment with and/or substantiallyadjacent to the groundwater 24 within the subsurface region 16. It isnoted that although the well screen 22 is shown as extending in asubstantially continuous manner adjacent to the groundwater 24 withinthe subsurface region 16; the well screen 22 can alternatively bepositioned in a more discretized manner, such that the well screen 22 isprovided in a number of individual sections that are positioned only invertical alignment with and/or substantially adjacent to certainportions of the groundwater 24.

The design of the collection system 12 can be varied depending on thespecific requirements and characteristics of the groundwater productionwell 10, and/or depending on the specific availability of thegroundwater 24, or other fluid, within the subsurface region 16. Invarious embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1A, the collection system 12includes a pump assembly 26, a fluid distribution system 28 (sometimesreferred to herein simply as a “distribution system”), at least onefluid collector 30, and a fluid parameter testing system 32 (sometimesreferred to herein simply as a “parameter testing system”). Asillustrated in this embodiment, each of the distribution system 28, theat least one fluid collector 30 and the parameter testing system 32 arepositioned outside of the fluid source 10 during collection of the fluid24 from the fluid source 10. Alternatively, the collection system 12 caninclude more components or fewer components than those specificallyillustrated in FIG. 1A. For example, in certain non-exclusivealternative embodiments, the collection system 12 can be designedwithout the parameter testing system 32. In still other non-exclusivealternative embodiments, where the collection system 12 only includes asingle fluid collector 30, the collection system 12 need not include thedistribution system 28.

As an overview, the collection system 12 is configured to collect one ormore fluid samples 24S (illustrated as a plurality of “x”s in FIG. 2E)from the fluid source 10 for purposes of testing and evaluating the truelevel of contaminants within the fluid source 10. In particular, thedesign of the collection system 12 enables the collection of such fluidsamples 24S from the fluid source 10 in a manner that inhibits contactof the fluid sample 24S with the ambient environment (or atmosphere)that surrounds the collection system 12. With such design, thecollection system 12 is able to achieve certain significant objectives,including, but not limited to: (1) prevention of loss or reaction to theambient environment of volatile species within the fluid sample 24S; (2)exclusion of sample contaminants that may be present in the ambientenvironment surrounding the fluid collectors 30; (3) enforcement ofconsistency of physical practice in the sampling method; and (4)reducing standard deviation in sample results by enforcing consistency.

The pump assembly 26 provides a means to selectively remove the fluid 24from the fluid source 10 to be collected as the desired fluid samples24S. The design of the pump assembly 26 can be varied. As illustrated inFIG. 1A, the pump assembly 26 can include a pump 34, and a fluid returnline 36. Alternatively, the pump assembly 26 can have a differentdesign.

The collection system 12 can utilize any suitable type of pump 34 forpurposes of pumping the fluid 24 out of the fluid source 10, i.e. toprovide the desired fluid samples 24S. For example, in certainnon-exclusive alternative embodiments, the pump 34 can be a line shaftturbine or electric submersible pump, a bladder pump, a variablefrequency drive centrifugal submersible pump, a single valve parallelgas displacement pump, double valve pump, a progressive cavity pump, apiston pump (single-action or double-action), or a gear-driven pump.Alternatively, the pump 34 can be another suitable type of pump.

The fluid return line 36 is coupled to the pump 34, and provides aconduit through which the fluid 24 that will comprise the fluid samples24S are moved from the fluid source 10 to the fluid distribution system28 and/or the fluid collectors 30 without the fluid 24 being exposed tothe ambient environment. Stated in another manner, the pump 34 and thefluid distribution system 28 and/or the fluid collectors 30 are in fluidcommunication via the fluid return line 36. The fluid return line 36 canhave any suitable design. For example, in certain non-exclusiveembodiments, the fluid return line 36 can include a flexible tube thatis coupled to and extends between the pump 34 and the distributionsystem 28 and/or the fluid collectors 30.

Because the collection system 12 is generally described as being usablefor collecting fluid samples 24S from a fluid source 10 using a pumpassembly 26, the pump assembly 26 is generally considered to be a partof the collection system 12. However, as the collection system 12 mayalso be usable to collect fluid samples 24S from a fluid source 10without the specific use of a pump, the collection system 12 need notinclude the pump in order for proper operation of the collection system12. For example, in one non-exclusive alternative embodiment, the fluid24 from the fluid source 10 can be moved to the distribution system 28and/or the fluid collectors 30 via gravity feed from a tube in a mannerthat also inhibits contact of the fluid 24 with the ambient environment.Still alternatively, movement of the fluid 24 from the fluid source 10can utilize other methods such as tapping into a pressurized pipeline,vessel or municipal tap. As such, the pump assembly 26 or other suitableassembly for moving the fluid 24 from the fluid source 10 to thedistribution system 28 and/or the fluid collectors 30 can also referredto as a “fluid mover”.

The distribution system 28 receives the fluid samples 24S from the fluidreturn line 36 of the pump assembly 26, and distributes the fluidsamples 24S to each of the fluid collectors 30. The design of thedistribution system 28 can be varied to suit the requirements of thecollection system 12. As illustrated in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A,the distribution system 28 includes a connector valve 38, a distributorinlet 40, a distribution line 42, and at least one collector inlet line44. Alternatively, the distribution system 28 can include additionalcomponents or fewer components than those specifically illustrated anddescribed herein.

The connector valve 38 provides the desired connection between the fluidreturn line 36 and the distributor inlet 40. In certain embodiments, theconnector valve 38 can be a one-way valve that selectively permits thefluid 24 from the fluid source 10, e.g., the fluid samples 24S, to flowfrom the fluid return line 36 into the distributor inlet 40. Byutilizing a one-way valve, the fluid samples 24S are inhibited fromflowing from the distribution system 28 back into the fluid return line36. Additionally, as provided herein, when it is determined thatsufficient fluid 24 has been collected with the collection system 12,i.e. into the fluid collectors 30, to comprise the desired fluid samples24S, the connector valve 38 can then be closed to inhibit additionalfluid 24 from entering into the distribution system 28.

The distributor inlet 40 is a conduit through which the fluid 24traverses from the fluid return line 36 to the distribution line 42. Thedistribution line 42 then functions as a manifold to distribute thefluid 24 to each of the at least one collector inlet lines 44. Forexample, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the distribution line42 distributes the fluid 24 to each of four collector inlet lines 44,with each collector inlet line 44 being coupled to a separate fluidcollector 30. Alternatively, the distribution system 28 can includegreater than four or fewer than four collector inlet lines 44 dependingon the number of fluid collectors 30 that are included within thecollection system 12. For example, in certain non-exclusive alternativeembodiments, the distribution system 28 can be configured to includeone, two, three, five or six collector inlet lines 44, when thecollection system includes one, two, three, five or six fluid collectors30, respectively. The distributing or splitting of the fluid 24 amongmultiple collectors 30 enables the collection system 10 to collectmultiple fluid samples 24S substantially simultaneously.

It is appreciated that, as noted above, in embodiments that include onlya single fluid collector 30, the collection system 12 can be designedwithout the distribution system 28, and the fluid return line 36 can becoupled substantially directly to the fluid collector 30.

The fluid collectors 30 are configured to receive and retain the desirednumber of fluid samples 24S from the fluid source 10. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 1A, the collection system 12 includes four fluidcollectors 30, with each fluid collector 30 being configured to collecta single fluid sample 24S at any given time. Alternatively, thecollection system 12 can include greater than four or fewer than fourfluid collectors 30. Still alternatively, in other embodiments, anyfluid collector 30 can be configured to collect more than one fluidsample 24S at any given time, i.e. substantially simultaneously. Thespecific design and functionality of embodiments of the fluid collectors30 will be described in greater detail herein below.

As provided herein, the fluid parameter testing system 32 is configuredto receive some of the fluid 24 from the fluid source 10 duringcollection of the desired fluid samples 24S. Additionally, the fluidparameter testing system 32 is further configured to ensurestabilization within the parameters of the fluid samples 24S, so as tofurther ensure that the fluid samples 24S accurately reflect the truemakeup of the fluid source 10, e.g., the true level of contaminantswithin the fluid 24 found in the fluid source 10. The design of theparameter testing system 32 can be varied to suit the requirements ofthe collection system 12. In certain embodiments, as shown, theparameter testing system 32 includes a fluid parameter testingfacilitator 46, a fluid testing line 48, and a parameter testing cell50. Alternatively, the parameter testing system 32 can includeadditional components or fewer components than those specificallyillustrated and described herein.

The fluid parameter testing facilitator 46 is configured to receiveportions of the fluid 24 that have flowed through and out of each of thefluid collectors 30. Subsequently, the fluid parameter testingfacilitator 46 combines such excess fluid from each of the fluidcollectors 30 and directs the excess fluid toward the parameter testingcell 50 via a flow valve 46A and the fluid testing line 48. Stated inanother manner, the fluid parameter testing facilitator 46 is in fluidcommunication with each of the fluid collectors 30 and with theparameter testing cell 50. It is appreciated that the fluid parametertesting facilitator 46 can function in substantially the same mannerregardless of the number of fluid collectors 30 that may be presentwithin the collection system 12, e.g., even if the collection system 12only includes a single fluid collector 30.

The parameter testing cell 50 then tests one or more parameters of theexcess fluid to ensure stabilization of the one or more parameters, andthus stabilization of the fluid samples 24S that are being collectedfrom the fluid source 10. In some embodiments, the parameter testingcell 50 can include at least one sensor 50A (illustrated as a box inphantom) for sensing and testing the one or more fluid parameters of thefluid 24. For example, in certain such embodiments, the at least onesensor 50A can be configured to sense such fluid parameters as pH,temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, oxidation reductionpotential, and turbidity, as well as the presence or absence of anyparticular chemicals.

As noted, when the levels of such fluid parameters have becomestabilized, i.e. the levels are not changing over time other thanacceptable mild variations, it is appreciated that the fluid samples 24Scan then be accepted as a true and accurate representation of the actualcomponent, e.g., including chemical and/or contaminant components,makeup of the fluid 24 from the fluid source 10. Additionally, once suchparameter stabilization has been achieved, the fluid samples 24S canthen be sealed within an appropriate portion of the fluid collectors 30and sent for any suitable and desired laboratory testing of such fluidsamples 24S.

It is appreciated that, although the fluid parameter testing system 32is illustrated in FIG. 1A as being coupled to an outflow portion of thecollection system 12, i.e. after the fluid 24 has flowed into andthrough the fluid collectors 30, the fluid parameter testing system 32can be alternatively coupled to an inflow portion of the collectionsystem 12, i.e. before the fluid 24 has flowed into and through thefluid collectors 30.

As shown in FIG. 1A, in some embodiments, the collection system 12 canfurther include a preservation assembly 51 that may be included toselectively add preservatives to the fluid 24 to help preserve theintegrity of the fluid samples 24S that are being collected from thefluid source 10 and/or to extend the amount of time that the fluidsamples 24S can be held prior to laboratory analysis. More specifically,in such embodiments, the preservative can be added for various purposesincluding, but not limited to preservation, reaction, sterilization, orother physical or chemical interaction. For example, in suchembodiments, the preservation assembly 51 can include a preservativereservoir 51A that retains preservatives, and that is in fluidcommunication with the fluid return line 36. The preservative can beprovided in fluid form, particulate form, or another suitable form.Additionally, control of preservatives from the preservative reservoir51A into the fluid return line 36 can be controlled with a preservativevalve 51B. Further, or in the alternative, flow of preservatives fromthe preservative reservoir 51A can be controlled and/or supplied by anactive pumping mechanism, by gravity feed, or by a syringe or otherpressure differential device.

In such embodiments, the fluid 24 from the fluid source 10 can bereferred to as a “raw fluid” from a “raw fluid source”; and the fluidwith the preservative having been added thereto can be referred to as a“preserved fluid”.

Additionally, as further illustrated in FIG. 1A, the combined flow ofthe fluid 24 from the fluid source 10 and the preservative from thepreservation assembly 51 can be controlled by the connector valve 38 ofthe distribution system 28. Further, as noted, the distributor inlet 40,the distribution line 42 (i.e. manifold), and collector inlet lines 44can be used to split the combined flow of fluid 24 and preservativeamong the multiple collectors 30 to provide for the substantiallysimultaneous collection of multiple fluid samples 24S.

It is appreciated that although the preservative assembly 51 is shown asbeing coupled to the fluid return line 36 between the pump 34 and thedistribution system 28, the preservative assembly 51 can alternativelybe coupled to a different portion of the collection system 12. Forexample, in one non-exclusive alternative embodiment, the preservativeassembly 51 can be coupled to the collection system 12 within thedistribution system 28, e.g., can be coupled to the distributor inlet40, the distribution line 42 and/or the collector inlet lines 44.Additionally, it is further appreciated that preservatives from thepreservative reservoir 51A can be added during or after the collectionof the fluid 24 from the fluid source 10.

Additionally, in certain embodiments, a portion of the collection system12, e.g., the fluid collectors 30, can be supported by a device stand(not shown), e.g., a rack, a tripod, or the like) to inhibit the fluidcollectors 30 from tipping over as well as to raise the fluid collectors30 above a working surface so as not to allow surficial contact with theworking surface to avoid being influenced by the surface temperature.

FIG. 1B is a simplified schematic view illustration of a portion of thefluid sample collection system 12 illustrated in FIG. 1A. In particular,FIG. 1B is a simplified schematic illustration of four fluid collectors30, i.e. a first fluid collector 30A, a second fluid collector 30B, athird fluid collector 30C and a fourth fluid collector 30D, that arecoupled together, and that are further coupled to the fluid parametertesting facilitator 46 of the parameter testing system 32.

As shown in FIG. 1B, each fluid collector 30A-30B includes a systemfluid inflow conduit 52, a collector body 53, and a sample vial assembly56.

The system fluid inflow conduit 52 provides an access point throughwhich the fluid 24 (illustrated in FIG. 1A) passes from the collectorinlet line 44 (illustrated in FIG. 1A) of the distribution system 28(illustrated in FIG. 1A) into the collector body 53. More specifically,in certain embodiments, the collector inlet line 44 can extend throughthe system fluid inflow conduit 52 into the collector body 53.

The collector body 53 is configured to provide a housing around at leasta portion of the sample vial assembly 56 during use of the collectionsystem 12. In particular, in the position shown in FIG. 1B, for eachfluid collector 30A-30D, only a fairly small portion of the sample vialassembly 56 extends below and/or outside the general confines of thecollector body 53.

The various features of embodiments of the fluid collector 30 will bedescribed in greater detail herein below.

FIG. 2A is a partially exploded schematic view illustration of a portionof one embodiment of the fluid sample collection system 212. Inparticular, FIG. 2A illustrates an embodiment of a fluid collector 230that can be used within the collection system 212. The design of thefluid collector 230 can be varied to suit the requirements of the fluidsource 10 (illustrated in FIG. 1) with which the collection system 212is being used. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2A, the fluidcollector 230 includes (i) a system fluid inflow conduit 252 (alsosometimes referred to herein simply as an “inflow conduit”), (ii) acollector body 253 that defines and/or includes a passenger vial chamber254 and an antechamber 255, (iii) a sample vial assembly 256 includingat least one sample vial 258 having a sample vial body 260, a vial cap262 and a cap holder 264, and (iv) a cap access facilitator 266. Asillustrated, the sample vial 258 is shown in a first position relativeto the collector body 253 and/or the passenger vial chamber 254, i.e.with the sample vial 258 positioned completely outside the collectorbody 253 and completely outside the passenger vial chamber 254.Additionally, or in the alternative, the fluid collector 230 can includemore components or fewer components than those specifically illustratedand described herein.

FIG. 2A further illustrates a portion of the fluid parameter testingsystem 232, i.e. the fluid parameter testing facilitator 246, that canbe included as part of the collection system 212.

The inflow conduit 252 provides an access point through which the fluid24 (illustrated in FIG. 1A) from the fluid source 10 (illustrated inFIG. 1A) passes into the collector body 253 and/or the passenger vialchamber 254. The design of the inflow conduit 252 can be varied to suitthe requirements of the collection system 212. In certain embodiments,the inflow conduit 252 can be a sealable plug that is configured toselectively fit within and extend through a fluid aperture 253A thatextends through the collector body 253 and into the passenger vialchamber 254. Additionally, the inflow conduit 252 can be configured toreceive a fluid pass-through vessel 268 (illustrated in FIG. 2E) throughwhich the fluid 24 flows prior to the fluid 24 entering the sample vial258, i.e. the sample vial body 260. More particularly, as shown, theinflow conduit 252 includes a conduit aperture 252A through which thefluid pass-through vessel 268 can extend to enable the fluid 24 to flowfrom outside the collector body 253 to inside the collector body 253and/or the passenger vial chamber 254 without the fluid 24 beingadversely impacted by the ambient environment.

As above, the collector body 253 is configured to provide a housingaround at least a portion of the sample vial assembly 256. Additionally,in this embodiment, the collector body 253 defines and/or includes thepassenger vial chamber 254 and the antechamber 255 that is positionedsubstantially adjacent to the passenger vial chamber 254 and/orsubstantially encircles the passenger vial chamber 254.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the collector body 253 is substantially rectangularbox-shaped and includes a top 253B, a base 253C, a plurality of sides253D, the fluid aperture 253A and a vial aperture 253E. Alternatively,the collector body 253 can have another suitable design and/or beanother suitable shape, e.g., substantially cylinder-shaped.

Additionally, the collector body 253 can be made of any suitablematerials. For example, in certain embodiments, the collector body 253can be made from one or more of any type of plastic, steel, fiberglass,composites or any other suitable material.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the sample vial assembly 256 isconfigured to fit, at least in part, within the passenger vial chamber254 that is formed into the collector body 253. The design of thepassenger vial chamber 254 can be varied. As shown in the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 2A, the passenger vial chamber 254 can besubstantially cylinder-shaped and can be configured to receive onesample vial 258 at least partially therein. Alternatively, the passengervial chamber 254 can be configured to receive more than one sample vial258 at least partially therein.

Additionally, in certain embodiments, the passenger vial chamber 254 canbe formed from a non-rigid material, such that a flexible container isprovided around the sample vial 258. Alternatively, in otherembodiments, the passenger vial chamber 254 can be formed from a morerigid material.

Further, as provided herein, the passenger vial chamber 254 can beconfigured to allow the fluid 24 to flow into, through, and out of thepassenger vial chamber 254 during collection of the fluid samples 24S.

The fluid aperture 253A and the vial aperture 253E can be positioned inany suitable manner about the collector body 253. In this embodiment,the fluid aperture 253A is configured to extend, at an angle, throughone of the sides 253D of the collector body 253. Alternatively, in otherembodiments, the fluid aperture 253A can extend through the top 253B orthe base 253C of the collector body 253.

The vial aperture 253E provides access for the sample vial 258 to movebetween the first position, where the sample vial 258 is positionedoutside the collector body 253 (as shown in FIG. 2A), and a secondposition, where the sample vial 258 is positioned substantially withinan interior of the collector body 253 (as shown in FIG. 2C). Morespecifically, the vial aperture 253E provides access for the sample vial258 into and out of the passenger vial chamber 254. In one embodiment,the vial aperture 253E can be configured to extend through the base 253Cof the collector body 253. With this design, the sample vial 258 can bemoved in a generally upward direction through the vial aperture 253E asthe sample vial 258 is moved from the first position to the secondposition. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the vial aperture 253Ecan be configured to extend through another portion of the collectorbody 253, i.e. through the top 253B or one of the sides 253D of thecollector body 253.

FIG. 2A further illustrates a vial aperture seal 270A, e.g., an O-ring,that can seal the vial aperture 253E about the sample vial 258 when thesample vial 258 is positioned at least partially within the collectorbody 253, i.e. at least partially within the passenger vial chamber 254.The vial aperture seal 270A provides a friction-type fit between thesample vial 258 and the collector body 253 so as to effectively hold thesample vial 258 at least partially within the passenger vial chamber 254of the collector body 253. Further, as provided herein, the vialaperture seal 270A is configured to seal the connection between thesample vial 258 and the body chamber 254B within the vial aperture 254Fto seal the environment within the antechamber 255, i.e. between thepassenger vial chamber 254 and the top 253B, base 253C and sides 253D ofthe collector body 253. As such, the vial aperture seal 270A can inhibitambient environmental factors from contacting and potentially adverselyimpacting (i.e. changing the component make-up of) the fluid 24 that iscontained within the collector body 253 and/or within the sample vial258.

As provided herein, the antechamber 255 is a chamber that is providedwithin the collector body 253 and substantially adjacent to thepassenger vial chamber 254. In some embodiments, as shown, theantechamber 255 is a chamber that is provided between the passenger vialchamber 254 and the top 253B, base 253C and sides 253D of the collectorbody 253. In certain embodiments, the antechamber 255 can assist in theprocess of remotely closing and opening the sample vial 258 when thesample vial 258 is positioned within the passenger vial chamber 254without substantially exposing the sample vial 258 to the externalatmosphere surrounding the collection system 212. For example, in somesuch embodiments, the antechamber 255 can help provide access to the capaccess facilitator 266 and/or the sample vial 258 (i.e. when the samplevial 258 is positioned at least partially within the passenger vialchamber 254).

As noted above, in certain embodiments, the sample vial 258 includes thesample vial body 260, the vial cap 262, and the cap holder 264. Thesample vial body 260 and the vial cap 262 can be selectively coupled toone another to form a selectively sealed container in which the fluidsamples 24S (illustrated in FIG. 2E) can be collected for desiredtesting. In some embodiments, the vial cap 262 can be simply screwedonto and off of the sample vial body 260. Alternatively, the vial cap262 can be coupled to the sample vial body 260 in a different manner.

The cap holder 264 provides a means for facilitating the selectivelycoupling between the vial cap 262 and the sample vial body 260 when suchcoupling, or uncoupling occurs within the collector body 253 and/orwithin the passenger vial chamber 254. In particular, in someembodiments, the cap holder 264 can be selectively engaged by the capaccess facilitator 266 for purposes of facilitating the selectivecoupling or uncoupling of the vial cap 262 and the sample vial body 260.For example, in certain such embodiments, the cap access facilitator 266can engage the cap holder 264 so as to hold the cap holder 264 and thusthe vial cap 262 in position as the sample vial body 260 is coupled toor uncoupled from the vial cap 262.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the cap access facilitator 266extends in a generally downward direction from the top 253B of thecollector body 253 and into an interior of the collector body 253. Morespecifically, in such embodiment, the cap access facilitator 266 canextend in a generally downward direction into an upper portion of thepassenger vial chamber 254. In some embodiments, the cap accessfacilitator 266 is selectively fixed in position as shown within theinterior of the chamber body 254B. As such, the cap access facilitator266 can easily engage the cap holder 264 of the sample vial 258 when thesample vial 258 has been moved from the first position to the secondposition. In addition to providing a hand grip for the cap holder 264,the cap access facilitator 266 can further be configured to provide atravel stop to ensure the correct positioning of the cap holder 264within the collector body 253. As provided herein, the cap accessfacilitator 266 may be further configured to facilitate the transfer offluid 24 out of the collector body 253, e.g., to facilitate movement ofthe fluid 24 to the fluid parameter testing system 232, or to anotherapparatus or process or part of the process stream, as desired.

It is appreciated that in some embodiments, the antechamber 255 canprovide additional access to the cap access facilitator 266 for means ofensuring that the cap access facilitator 266 is maintained in thedesired position during the selective coupling and uncoupling of thevial cap 262 and the sample vial body 260 while the sample vial 258 ispositioned, at least in part, within the passenger vial chamber 254.

FIG. 2B is an exploded view illustration of the fluid collector 230illustrated in FIG. 2A. In particular, FIG. 2B illustrates the inflowconduit 252, the collector body 253, the sample vial 258 having thesample vial body 260, the vial cap 262 and the cap holder 264, and thecap access facilitator 266, and certain additional features andcomponents of the fluid collector 230.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the inflow conduit 252 can be configured to extendthrough the fluid aperture 253A in the collector body 253 to provide asealed access point through which the fluid 24 (illustrated in FIG. 1A)from the fluid source 10 (illustrated in FIG. 1A) passes into thecollector body 253 and/or into the passenger vial chamber 254(illustrated in FIG. 2A).

Additionally, FIG. 2B further illustrates that the collector body 253can further include a facilitator aperture 253F through which the capaccess facilitator 266 can be positioned to extend within the interiorof the collector body 253. As shown in this embodiment, the facilitatoraperture 253F can be formed in the top 253B of the collector body 253.Alternatively, the facilitator aperture 253F can be formed in anotherpart of the collector body 253, e.g., the base 253C or one of the sides253D of the collector body 253.

Further, in addition to the vial aperture seal 270A, FIG. 2B alsoillustrates a facilitator seal assembly 272, e.g., a pair of O-ringsthat are configured to seal the connections between the cap accessfacilitator 266 and the collector body 253, e.g., at the top 253B of thecollector body 253, and between the cap access facilitator 266 and thecap holder 264.

Still further, also shown in FIG. 2B is a parameter system inflow valve274 that regulates flow of the fluid 24 from the fluid collector 230 tothe fluid parameter testing system 232 (illustrated in FIG. 2A).

FIG. 2C is a simplified schematic front view illustration of the portionof the fluid sample collection system 212 illustrated in FIG. 2A. Inparticular, as noted above, in FIG. 2C, the sample vial assembly 256and/or the sample vial 258 of the fluid collector 230 has been moved tothe second position relative to the collector body 253 and/or passengervial chamber 254.

As illustrated, when the sample vial 258 is in the second position, amajority of the sample vial 258 is positioned within the interior of thecollector body 253 and/or the passenger vial chamber 254. Morespecifically, as shown in FIG. 2C, only a small portion of the samplevial 258 near the bottom the sample vial body 260 extends outside, andbelow, the passenger vial chamber 254 of the collector body 253. It isappreciated that, in certain embodiments, when in the second position,the sample vial 258 extends far enough below the collector body 253 sothat the bottom of the sample vial body 260 can be easily grasped by auser for purposes of manipulating the positioning of the sample vial258, e.g., rotating and/or moving translationally, relative to thecollector body 253.

Further, as shown, when the sample vial 258 is in the second position,the cap access facilitator 266 engages the cap holder 264 of the samplevial 258. As provided herein, such engagement between the cap accessfacilitator 266 and the cap holder 264 enables the selective couplingand uncoupling between the sample vial body 260 and the vial cap 262.More specifically, in some embodiments, the cap access facilitator 266is maintained in a fixed position within the upper portion of thepassenger vial chamber 254 of the collector body 253 so as toeffectively hold the cap holder 264 and thus the vial cap 262 in a fixedposition. This enables the user to manipulate, e.g., screw or unscrew,the sample vial body 260 relative to the vial cap 262 to selectivelycouple or uncouple the vial cap 262 from the sample vial body 260.Additionally and/or alternatively, the operator can access the capaccess facilitator 266 (and thus the cap holder 264 and the vial cap262) via the antechamber 255 that surrounds the passenger vial chamber254 to more effectively hold and maintain the position of the cap accessfacilitator 266 within the passenger vial chamber 254.

FIG. 2D is a simplified schematic side view illustration of the portionof the fluid sample collection system 212 illustrated in FIG. 2A. Morespecifically, similar to FIG. 2C, FIG. 2D again illustrates the fluidcollector 230 with the sample vial assembly 256 and/or the sample vial258 being in the second position relative to the passenger vial chamber254 of the collector body 253.

FIG. 2E is a simplified schematic front view illustration of the portionof the fluid sample collection system 212 illustrated in FIG. 2A. Inparticular, FIG. 2E illustrates the sample vial assembly 256 and/or thesample vial 258 being shown in a third position relative to thecollector body 253 and/or the passenger vial chamber 254.

As shown in FIG. 2E, the vial cap 262 has been selectively removed oruncoupled from the sample vial body 260. Additionally, the vial cap 262and the cap holder 264 are shown as being retained by the cap accessfacilitator 266 within the passenger vial chamber 254 of the collectorbody 253. For example, in one non-exclusive embodiment, the cap accessfacilitator 266 can engage the cap holder 264, and then the sample vialbody 260 can be rotated relative to the collector body 253. As the capholder 264 is being engaged, and held, by the cap access facilitator266, rotation of the sample vial body 260 relative to the collector body253 results in rotation of the sample vial body 260 relative to the vialcap 262. The sample vial body 260 can thus be uncoupled from the vialcap 262. It is appreciated that the uncoupling of the sample vial body260 from the vial cap 262 can be accomplished in a different manner,i.e. other than simply unscrewing the sample vial body 260 from the vialcap 262.

Once the sample vial body 260 is uncoupled from the vial cap 262, thesample vial body 260, i.e. without the vial cap 262, can be moved in agenerally downward direction away from the vial cap 262 and further outof the passenger vial chamber 254 of the collector body 253 so that thesample vial 258 is now open and ready to receive fluid 24 (illustratedin FIG. 1A) from the fluid source 10 (illustrated in FIG. 1A).

Also shown in FIG. 2E is the fluid pass-through vessel 268 through whichthe fluid 24 passes before entering the sample vial body 260. In someembodiments, the fluid pass-through vessel 268 can include a portion ofone of the collector inlet lines 44 (illustrated in FIG. 1A) or aportion of the fluid return line 36 (illustrated in FIG. 1A).Alternatively, the fluid pass-through vessel 268 can be a fluid vessel,e.g., a tubular vessel, that is separate and distinct from both thecollector inlet lines 44 and the fluid return line 36.

As noted above, in some embodiments, the fluid 24 from the fluid source10 can be combined with a preservative from the preservation assembly 51(illustrated in FIG. 1A) prior to the combined fluid 24 and preservativeentering into the collector 230. Additionally, in such embodiments, thepreservation assembly 51 and/or the preservative can be in fluidcommunication with the fluid pass-through vessel 268. In certain suchembodiments, the preservative can be added to the fluid 24 directlywithin the fluid pass-through vessel 268. Alternatively, thepreservative can be added to the fluid 24 prior to the fluid 24 reachingthe fluid pass-through vessel 268.

In certain embodiments, the fluid pass-through vessel 268 can beconfigured and positioned to extend through a top opening 260A of thesample vial body 260 and have a vessel distal end 268A be positionednear a bottom 260B of the sample vial body 260. With such design, thefluid 24 will not splash significantly within and/or out of the samplevial body 260, and, as such, excessive air bubbles will not be formedwithin the fluid sample 24S to is collected within the sample vial body260. Additionally, the bottom fill nature of this arrangement ensuresthat any contamination present on the interior of the collector body 253is not entrained within the sample vial body 260.

During collection of the fluid sample 24S, the fluid 24 can be allowedto continue flowing after the sample vial body 260 has become completelyfilled. As the fluid 24 continues to flow, the fluid 24 will alsoeventually fill up the interior of the passenger vial chamber 254. Thefluid 24 can then flow through the cap access facilitator 266, and intothe fluid parameter testing system 232 via the parameter system inflowvalve 274 (illustrated in FIG. 2B). The fluid parameter testingfacilitator 246 can then combine excess fluid from multiple sample vials258 (if more than one sample vial 258 is being used within thecollection system 212) and move the excess fluid to the parametertesting cell 50 (illustrated in FIG. 1A) via the fluid testing line 48(illustrated in FIG. 1A). The parameter testing cell 50 will then, asnoted above, sense one or more parameters of the fluid 24 to ensureparameter stabilization. Once the fluid parameters have been stabilized,as confirmed by the parameter testing cell 50, the flow of fluid 24 fromthe fluid source 10 can be stopped, and the fluid pass-through vessel268 can be removed from the sample vial 258. The sample vial body 260can then be moved back to the second position, the sample vial body 260can be moved, e.g., rotated, relative to the collector body 253, suchthat the vial cap 262 can again be coupled and sealed to the sample vialbody 260.

At this time, the sample vial 258 can be removed from the passenger vialchamber 254 of the collector body 253 via the vial aperture 253E. Thecap holder 264 can then be removed from the vial cap 262 so that thesample vial 258 conforms to the requirements of standard autosamplerlaboratory equipment. The sealed sample vial 258 can then beappropriately labeled and shipped to a laboratory for any desiredtesting of the fluid samples 24S.

FIG. 3A is a simplified schematic view illustration of an embodiment ofthe sample vial assembly 356 and an embodiment of a cap accessfacilitator 366 that is shown prior to engagement with a sample vial 358of the sample vial assembly 356.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the sample vial 358 includes the sample vial body360, the vial cap 362 and the cap holder 364. The design and functioningof the sample body 360, the vial cap 362 and the cap holder 364 aresubstantially similar to what was illustrated and described hereinabove. Accordingly, a detailed description of such components will notbe repeated herein.

Additionally, as noted, the cap access facilitator 366 is configured toselectively engage and retain the cap holder 364. The design of the capaccess facilitator 366 can be varied to suit the requirements of thecollection system 212 (illustrated in FIG. 2A).

FIG. 3B is a simplified schematic illustration of the sample vialassembly 356 and the cap access facilitator 366 illustrated in FIG. 3A,with the cap access facilitator 366 shown engaging the sample vial 358of the sample vial assembly 356. More particularly, in FIG. 3B, thesample vial 358 and the cap access facilitator 366 have been movedrelative to one another so that the cap access facilitator 366 is nowengaging and retaining (via a sealed engagement) the cap holder 364 ofthe sample vial 358.

FIG. 4A is a simplified schematic illustration of a portion of anotherembodiment of the fluid sample collection system 412. As illustrated inthis embodiment, the collection system 412 can include a fluid collector430 having a collector body 453, and a pressurization system 476 that iscoupled in fluid communication to the collector body 453.

FIG. 4B is a sectional view of the portion of the fluid samplecollection system 412 taken on line 4B-4B in FIG. 4A. In particular,FIG. 4B illustrates many detailed features and aspects that can beincluded within the fluid collector 430 and the pressurization system476. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the fluid collector 430 is somewhatsimilar to what was illustrated and described above in the previousembodiments, although the specific design, functioning and positioningof the various components of the fluid collector 430 are somewhatdifferent than in the previous embodiments. For example, in theembodiment shown in FIG. 4B, the fluid collector 430 includes a systemfluid inflow conduit 452 (an “inflow conduit”), a collector body 453that defines and/or includes a passenger vial chamber 454 and anantechamber 455, a sample vial assembly 456 including at least onesample vial 458 (two are shown in FIG. 4B) having a sample vial body 460and a sample vial cap 462, and a cap access facilitator 466.Additionally, the fluid collector 430 again includes a fluidpass-through vessel 468 through which the fluid 24 (illustrated in FIG.1A) flows prior to the fluid 24 entering the sample vial 458, i.e. thesample vial body 460. However, in this embodiment, the fluidpass-through vessel 468 is provided in the form of a host container 468Bthat is further defined by and/or included within the collector body430, in addition to the tubular vessel 468C, e.g., a portion of one ofthe collector inlet lines 44 (illustrated in FIG. 1A), a portion of thefluid return line 36 (illustrated in FIG. 1A), or a separate tubularvessel, that is configured to extend into an interior of the collectorbody 430.

As shown, the passenger vial chamber 454 is configured to selectivelyreceive and retain the at least one sample vial 458. For example, thepassenger vial chamber 454 can include at least on vial receptacle 454R,with each vial receptacle 454R being configured to receive a sample vial458. In the case of two or more sample vials 458, the sample vials 458can reside inside the passenger vial chamber 454 in a side-by-sideconfiguration or in an over-under configuration, i.e. stacked on top ofone another. Other internal configurations for the sample vials 458 ofthe collection system 412 include vertically right-side up, verticallyupside down, angled and horizontal within the passenger vial chamber454. It is appreciated that the passenger vial chamber 454 can beconfigured to selectively receive and retain any suitable number ofsample vials 458.

In this embodiment, the host container 468B, the passenger vial chamber454, the antechamber 455, and a deployment head 478 are selectivelycoupled to one another to make up the collector body 453. As shown inFIG. 4B, the collector body 453 is configured with the passenger vialchamber 454 positioned between the host container 468B and theantechamber 455 while the collection system 412 is receiving fluid 24that has been pumped with the pump 34 (illustrated in FIG. 1A) from thefluid source 10 (illustrated in FIG. 1A). Stated in another manner, inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 4B, the uppermost compartment of thecollection system 412 is referred to as the antechamber 455; the nextlower compartment is referred to as the passenger vial chamber 454; andthe lowest of the three compartments is referred to as the hostcontainer 468B. As provided herein, the antechamber 455 allows one toremotely access the passenger vial chamber 454 to operate the cap accessfacilitator 466 within the passenger vial chamber 454 below theantechamber 455. Additionally, in this embodiment, the deployment head478 is selectively coupled to the antechamber 455. Further, as providedherein, at certain times during the use of the collection system 412,the various components of the collector body 453 can be uncoupled fromone another, e.g., during removal of the sample vials 458 from withinthe collector body 453. Alternatively, the collector body 453 and/or thecomponents thereof can be configured in another manner than thatillustrated in FIG. 4B.

In this embodiment, the tubular vessel 468C of the fluid pass-throughvessel 468, e.g., the fluid return line 36 (illustrated in FIG. 1A) thatextends from the pump 34 to the fluid collector 430, one of thecollector inlet lines 44, or a separate tubular vessel, is connected tothe inflow conduit 452 at or near a base 479A of the host container468B. Additionally, as shown, the base 479A of the host container 468Bsubstantially coincides with the base 453C of the collector body 453.With such design, the fluid 24 can fill the host container 468B from thebottom up. Thus, as noted above, in this embodiment, the tubular vessel468C and the host container 468B work in conjunction with one another tofunction as the fluid pass-through vessel 468 through which the fluid 24passes before entering the sample vial 458 and/or the passenger vialchamber 454.

In some embodiments, the fluid 24 flows into the host container 468Bthrough the inflow conduit 452, which can be regulated through the useof an inflow valve 452A, e.g., a one-way valve, that is positionedadjacent to the inflow conduit 452 at or near the base 479A of the hostcontainer 468B.

As the fluid 24 continues to fill up the host container 468B, the fluid24 eventually reaches a top 479B of the host container 468B. The fluid24 then continues to fill upwardly into the passenger vial chamber 454through a chamber inflow regulator 480, e.g., a one-way valve or othersuitable type of valve, or a chamber aperture, at a chamber bottom 454A.Thus, the fluid 24 flows into the passenger vial chamber 454 via thechamber inflow regulator 480 that is positioned at the chamber bottom454A.

Additionally, as the fluid 24 continues to flow upwardly into thepassenger vial chamber 454 so as to fill the passenger vial chamber 454,the fluid 24 further flows into the sample vial(s) 458. Moreparticularly, during the actual collection of the fluid samples 24S(illustrated in FIG. 2E), the vial cap 462 is not coupled to the samplevial body 460 such that the sample vial body 460 is effectively open forpurposes of receiving the fluid samples 24S therein. Further, as thefluid 24 continues to flow into the passenger vial chamber 454 to fillthe passenger vial chamber 454, the atmosphere inside the passenger vialchamber 454 is displaced by the infilling fluid 24. In such case, thedisplaced atmosphere can escape through a chamber top 454B of thepassenger vial chamber 454, and can then travel through an upper chambervalve 481 at the chamber top 454B and/or a vent 482 at a top 453B of thecollector body 453.

The host container 468B and the passenger vial chamber 454 can be madeof any material including any type of plastic, steel, fiberglass,composites or any other suitable material and can have any diameter,height and geometric form.

With respect to fill detection of the host container 468B and thepassenger vial chamber 454, and the sample vials 458 contained therein,there are several methods and/or apparatuses for doing so. For example,as the host container 468B and passenger vial chamber 454 are fillingwith fluid 24 from the fluid source 10, the atmosphere inside the hostcontainer 468B and passenger vial chamber 454 are displaced by theinfilling fluid 24, moving from the bottom to the top of the collectionsystem 412. The displaced gas exits through the upper chamber valve 481at the chamber top 454B and/or the vent 482 located at the top 453B ofthe collector body 453. If there is no more atmosphere left inside thehost container 468B and the passenger vial chamber 454, then only fluid24 will exit through the upper chamber valve 481 and/or the vent 482.Upon first arrival of fluid 24 exiting through the upper chamber valve481 and/or the vent 482, the pump 34 can be stopped, and/or the inflowvalve 452, the chamber inflow regulator 480 and/or the upper chambervalve 481 can be closed such that the host container 468B and thepassenger vial chamber 454 are sealed off from external atmosphericcontact. If desired at this point, the collection system 412 can bere-pressurized in order to simulate the hydrostatic pressure at thesample depth of the pump 34.

The antechamber 455 allows remote closure of the sample vials 458 withinthe passenger vial chamber 454, i.e. through use of the cap accessfacilitator 466 as described below, without substantially exposing thesample vials 458 to the external atmosphere surrounding the collectionsystem 412. This configuration also inhibits fluid 24 from entering theantechamber 455 at any point in time—either before, during or after thesample vials 458 are filled with the fluid 24 to comprise the desiredfluid samples 24S. In certain embodiments, this can be accomplishedthrough internally bypassing the antechamber 455 with a pressurizationline 476A that enters through the top 453B of the collector body 453,coaxially passes through the antechamber 455 entirely and then connectsto a tube fitting 483 on an antechamber floor 455A of the antechamber455. Therefore, the internal environment inside the pressurization line476A does not come into contact with the environment of the antechamber455. At the connection point, the pathway then continues through theantechamber floor 455A of the antechamber 455 (simultaneously thechamber top 454B of the passenger vial chamber 454) and terminates wherethe pressurization line 476A exits into the passenger vial chamber 454itself.

In certain embodiments, the collection system 412 can utilize thepressurization system 476 to provide a desired environment within thecollector body 453, i.e. to permit pressurization as well asdepressurization when required. For example, in some such embodiments,the host container 468B and/or the passenger vial chamber 454 can bepressurized with an inert gas, compressed air, or another suitable fluidprior to receiving the fluid 24 from the fluid source 10. The desiredinert gas, compressed air, or other suitable fluid can be provided intothe passenger vial chamber 454 and/or the host container 458B via thepressurization line 476A, as regulated by a pressurization valve 476B.The inert gas environment created inside the host container 468B and/orthe passenger vial chamber 454 has several advantages includingreduction or elimination of an oxidizing environment in contact with thefluid sample 24S that is being collected with the collection system 412.Additionally, the inert gas from the pressurization system 476 can alsobe used to control the rate at which the sample vials 458 are beingfilled with the fluid samples 24S. When the fluid sample 24S is ready tobe delivered by the pump 34 located at some depth inside the fluidsource 10, the host container 468B and/or the passenger vial chamber 454can be depressurized either completely or partially in order to allowthe fluid sample 24S to fill the sample vials 458 to a desired filllevel. Once the sample vials 458 have reached the desired fill level,compressed gas can then be reintroduced and used to reconstitutesimulation of the hydrostatic pore pressure from which the fluid sample24S was obtained. Alternatively, the collection system 412 can beutilized without the pressurization system 476.

As shown, the internal pressure of the host container 468B and thepassenger vial chamber 454 are locked-in between the inflow valve 452Aand the chamber inflow regulator 480, and/or between the chamber inflowregulator 480 and the upper chamber valve 481.

Additionally, in certain embodiments, a portion of the collection system412, e.g., the fluid collector 430, can supported by a device stand (notshown), e.g., a rack, a tripod, or the like) to inhibit the fluidcollector 430 from tipping over as well as to raise the fluid collector430 above a working surface so as not to allow surficial contact withthe working surface to avoid being influenced by the surfacetemperature.

As provided herein, the cap access facilitator 466 can be configured toselectively access the vial cap 462 of the sample vial 458 toselectively open and close the sample vial 458, i.e. so that the vialcap 462 is selectively coupled to and uncoupled from the sample vialbody 460. The design of the cap access facilitator 466 and the vial cap462 can be varied. For example, in some embodiments, the cap accessfacilitator 466 and the vial cap 462 can formulate a slot and key systemthat assures that the sample vial body 460 and the vial cap 462 arecorrectly oriented within the vial receptacle 454R. Correct orientationof the sample vial body 460 and the vial cap 462 within the vialreceptacle 454R inhibits potential cross-threading of the vial cap 462when the vial cap 462 is remotely screwed onto the sample vial body 460,and further inhibits air bubbles from entering a given fluid sample 24Sduring packaging in the field and transport to a suitable laboratory.

Prior to collecting the fluid samples 24S, the deployment head 478 isremoved from the remainder of the collector body 453 to provide accessto the interior of the antechamber 455. In one embodiment, theantechamber floor 455A of the antechamber 455 includes twist knobs 484as part of the cap access facilitator 466 that can be operated with anAllen-wrench, screw driver, or another suitable tool. The twist knobs484 are connected to a rotational armature 485 that extends through theantechamber floor 455A of the antechamber 455, passing throughfacilitator seal assembly 472, e.g., a plurality of O-rings), and exitsinto the passenger vial chamber 454. The bottom end fixtures for eachrotational armature 485 include a vial cap clamp 486. In certainembodiments, the vial cap 462 resides within the vial cap clamp 486. Thevial cap 462 is held in place with either a set screw 487 that iscontrolled from the side of the vial cap clamp 486, or through aninterlocking geometry. In various embodiments, one element to the vialcap clamp 486, vial cap 462, sample vial body 460 and vial receptacle454R is the use of the key and slot alignment system that orients eachsample vial 458 into only a single loading position. For example, in onenon-exclusive embodiment, the vial cap 462 contains two vertical slotsthat can be separated by approximately one hundred eighty degrees andcan be oriented vertically along a height of the vial cap 462. In oneembodiment, the vial cap clamp 486 receives the vial cap 462 andcontains internal vertical keys that fit into the slots and are alsooriented at approximately one hundred eighty degrees apart. The samplevial 458 can have two vertical slots as well that run a vertical heightof the sample vial 458. The sample vial 458 can slide into the vialreceptacle 454R that contains the two corresponding keys that align withthe vial slots.

When it is desired to open the sample vial 458 for purposes of receivingthe desired fluid samples 24S, the twist knobs 484 in the antechamber455 are rotated, and the armature 485 as well as the vial cap clamp 486rotates accordingly whereby the vial cap 462 is threaded off of thecorresponding sample vial body 460. In the embodiment illustrated anddescribed herein, the twist knobs 484, the rotational armatures 485, thevial cap clamps 486, and the set screws 487 can be said to be includedas components of the cap access facilitator 466.

Upon filling of the sample vials 458, the deployment head 478 can againbe removed from the remainder of the collector body 453 to again provideaccess to the antechamber 455. Once the deployment head 478 is removed,the twist knobs 484 can again be accessed and operated. When the twistknobs 484 in the antechamber 455 are rotated, the armature 485 as wellas the vial cap clamp 486 rotates accordingly whereby the vial cap 462is threaded onto the corresponding sample vial body 460. In so doing,atmospheric contact with the fluid samples is inhibited or prevented,direct human contact with the fluid 24 in the passenger vial chamber 454and/or the sample vials 458 is inhibited or prevented, and transfer offluid 24 from the sample vials 458 to another container prior toshipment to an analytical lab can be avoided. The key and slots for boththe vial cap 462 and sample vial 458 section of the collection system412 inhibit any rotational slippage during vial cap 462 rotation whereit is being threaded on to the top of the sample vial body 460.

The entire vial cap 462 and sample vial 458 design can also provideanother benefit. When both the vial cap 462 and the sample vial body 460of the sample vial 458 are completely submerged under fluid inside thepassenger vial chamber 454 of the collection system 412, there is apossibility that a few remaining air bubbles could reside inside thevial cap 462. The process of threading the vial cap 462 onto the samplevial body 460 can force any remaining air bubbles to be removed from thevial cap 462 by displacement of the air bubbles by the sample vial body460 and the threads of the vial cap 462, and the volume of fluid 24inside the passenger vial chamber 454 when the threads are fully matedtogether via the threading procedure.

As provided herein, in this embodiment, once the fluid 24 has beenreceived into the collection system 412 and fills the sample vial(s) toprovide the desired fluid sample(s) 24S, the passenger vial chamber 454and/or the antechamber 455 can be removed/detached from the hostcontainer 468B without transfer of the fluid samples 24S in thepassenger vial chamber 454 to another container. The passenger vialchamber 454 can then be labeled (such as by a field technician) andplaced inside of a shipment container for transportation to ananalytical laboratory. Additionally, or in the alternative, in someembodiments, the sample vials 458 can be removed from the passenger vialchamber 454 and independently sealed, and the individual sample vials458 can then be shipped to a laboratory for desired analysis.

Additionally, in one embodiment, each vial cap 462 contains a septum(not shown in FIG. 5B). One purpose of the septum is so that when thepassenger vial chamber 454 reaches the lab, the sample vials 458 arethen inserted into a receiving tray, typically one that can host manysuch sample vials 458. A small sample of the fluid sample 24S isextracted from each of the sample vials 458, often times via a roboticarm that travels to each sample vial 458, whereby, following thearrival, the robotic arm inserts a needle through the septum in order toextract a small subsample of the fluid sample 24S inside the sample vial458. The sample is then analyzed by various methods. If the sample vials458 are made from stainless steel, they typically can be reused by firstapplying proper cleaning methods before the reuse.

FIG. 5A is a simplified schematic illustration of another embodiment ofthe sample vial assembly 456 and another embodiment of a portion of thecap access facilitator 466 that is shown prior to engagement with asample vial 458 of the sample vial assembly 456.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the sample vial 458 includes the sample vial body460 and the vial cap 462. Additionally, as noted above, the cap accessfacilitator 466 is configured to selectively engage and retain the vialcap 462.

FIG. 5B is a simplified schematic illustration of the sample vialassembly 456, e.g., the sample vial 458, and the portion of the capaccess facilitator 466 illustrated in FIG. 5A, with the cap accessfacilitator 466 shown in the process of coupling the vial cap 462 to thesample vial body 460.

FIG. 6 is a simplified flowchart illustrating one representative exampleof the procedure for removing a fluid sample from a fluid sourceutilizing the fluid sample collection system. It is appreciated that thevarious steps illustrated and described herein can be performed in anysuitable order, and any steps can be combined, omitted, and/or performedsubstantially simultaneously with any other steps without deviating fromthe intended breadth and scope of the present invention.

At step 601, a sample vial with the vial cap secured to the sample vialbody is inserted at least partially into a passenger vial chamber of acollector body of a fluid collector. In some embodiments, the samplevial is positioned in the passenger vial chamber via a vial accessaperture that is formed in the collector body.

At step 603, the vial cap is engaged by a cap access facilitator, andthe vial cap is uncoupled from the sample vial body.

At step 605, the sample vial body is moved within the passenger vialchamber, so that the sample vial body extends further outside of thepassenger vial chamber and/or the collector body.

At step 607, a system fluid inflow conduit is coupled to the collectorbody so as to extend through a fluid aperture formed in the collectorbody. Additionally, a fluid pass-through vessel is positioned to extendthrough a conduit aperture formed in the system fluid inflow conduit sothat a vessel distal end of the fluid pass-through vessel is positionednear a bottom of the sample vial body.

At step 609, a pump is positioned in a fluid source from which fluidsamples are desired. A fluid return line is coupled to the pump andextends between the pump and the system fluid inflow conduit. Once thepump and the fluid return line are positioned as desired, the pump isactivated so as to pump the fluid from the fluid source.

At step 611, the fluid flows from the pump, through the fluid returnline, through the fluid pass-through vessel and into the sample vialbody, so as to fill the sample vial body with fluid from the fluidsource.

At step 613, the fluid is allowed to continue flowing to fill thepassenger vial chamber. As the fluid continues to flow after thepassenger vial chamber has been filled, the excess fluid is directed outof the passenger vial chamber toward a parameter testing system. One ormore fluid parameters are sensed and/or tested in the excess fluid untilsuch time as the fluid parameters become stabilized. At such time, theoperator would be satisfied that the fluid sample in the sample vialretains no remnant characteristic of the sample vial or its initialatmosphere.

At step 615, the pump is turned off or the fluid is otherwise stoppedfrom flowing from the fluid source into the fluid collector.

At step 617, the fluid pass-through vessel is removed from the samplevial body and/or is taken out of the collector body. The sample vialbody is then moved within the passenger vial chamber back toward thevial cap. The vial cap is again accessed by the cap access facilitatorso that the vial cap is effectively coupled and sealed to the samplevial body.

At step 619, the sealed sample vial is removed from the passenger vialchamber and/or the collector body, e.g., via the vial access aperture.The sealed sample vial is then appropriately labeled and shipped to asuitable laboratory for any desired testing of the fluid samplesretained therein.

It is understood that although a number of different embodiments of thefluid sample collection system 12 have been illustrated and describedherein, one or more features of any one embodiment can be combined withone or more features of one or more of the other embodiments, providedthat such combination satisfies the intent of the present invention.

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments of the fluid samplecollection system 12 have been discussed above, those of skill in theart will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions andsub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the followingappended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted toinclude all such modifications, permutations, additions andsub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope.

1-25. (canceled)
 26. A fluid sample collection system for directlycollecting a fluid sample from a fluid source without exposing the fluidsample to an ambient environment that surrounds the fluid samplecollection system, the fluid sample collection system comprising: afluid collector including: (i) a sample vial that is configured toretain fluid from the fluid source, the sample vial including a samplevial body and a vial cap that is selectively coupled and sealed to thesample vial body; (ii) a collector body that defines a passenger vialchamber, the sample vial being positioned at least partially within thepassenger vial chamber during collection of the fluid; and (iii) a capaccess facilitator that is configured to engage a portion of the samplevial to enable a user to selectively couple the vial cap to the samplevial body to seal the sample vial so that the fluid is retained withinthe sample vial; and a fluid line that extends between the fluid sourceand the fluid collector, the fluid line being configured tosubstantially directly transmit the fluid sample to the fluid collectorwithout exposing the fluid sample to the ambient environment thatsurrounds the fluid sample collection system.
 27. The fluid samplecollection system of claim 26 wherein the sample vial further includes acap holder that is coupled to the vial cap; and wherein the cap accessfacilitator is configured to selectively engage and retain the capholder during selective coupling between the vial cap and the samplevial body.
 28. The fluid sample collection system of claim 26 whereinthe collector body includes a vial aperture; wherein the sample vial ismoved into and out of the passenger vial chamber through the vialaperture; and wherein the fluid collector further includes a vialaperture seal that seals a connection between the sample vial and thecollector body when the sample vial is positioned at least partiallywithin the passenger vial chamber.
 29. The fluid sample collectionsystem of claim 26 wherein the collector body further defines anantechamber that is positioned substantially adjacent to the passengervial chamber, the antechamber being configured to provide access to thecap access facilitator for the user, the antechamber not being in fluidcommunication with the passenger vial chamber.
 30. The fluid samplecollection system of claim 26 further comprising a pump that pumps thefluid out of the fluid source and directs the fluid to the fluidcollector via the fluid line.
 31. The fluid sample collection system ofclaim 26 further comprising a fluid pass-through vessel that isconfigured to extend through an aperture in the collector body, thefluid pass-through vessel providing a conduit through which the fluidflows from outside the collector body and into the sample vial body. 32.The fluid sample collection system of claim 31 wherein the fluidcollector further includes a system fluid inflow conduit that isconfigured to be positioned within and extend through the aperture inthe collector body, the fluid pass-through vessel being configured toextend through the system fluid inflow conduit, the fluid pass-throughvessel including a vessel distal end that is configured to be positionednear a bottom of the sample vial body.
 33. The fluid sample collectionsystem of claim 32 wherein the fluid line is connected to the systemfluid inflow conduit.
 34. The fluid sample collection system of claim 31further comprising a preservation assembly that is coupled in fluidcommunication to the fluid pass-through vessel, the preservationassembly being configured to selectively add a preservative to the fluidfrom the fluid source.
 35. The fluid sample collection system of claim26 further comprising a fluid parameter testing system that isconfigured to receive excess fluid from the fluid collector, the fluidparameter testing system including a sensor that is configured to senseat least one fluid parameter of the excess fluid that is received fromthe fluid collector.
 36. The fluid sample collection system of claim 26further comprising a second fluid collector that is coupled to the fluidcollector, the second fluid collector including (i) a second sample vialthat is configured to retain fluid from the fluid source, the secondsample vial including a second sample vial body and a second vial capthat is selectively coupled and sealed to the second sample vial body;(ii) a second collector body that defines a second passenger vialchamber that is configured to selectively retain the second sample vialduring collection of the fluid; and (iii) a second cap accessfacilitator that is configured to engage a portion of the second samplevial to enable a user to selectively couple the second vial cap to thesecond sample vial body to seal the second sample vial so that the fluidis retained within the second sample vial; and wherein the fluid line isconfigured to substantially directly transmit a second fluid sample tothe second fluid collector without exposing the second fluid sample tothe ambient environment that surrounds the fluid sample collectionsystem.
 37. The fluid sample collection system of claim 36 furthercomprising a distribution system that receives fluid from the fluidsource via the fluid line, the distribution system being configured todistribute fluid to each of the fluid collector and the second fluidcollector.
 38. A method for directly collecting a fluid sample from afluid source without exposing the fluid sample to an ambientenvironment, the method comprising the steps of: providing a fluidcollector that includes a collector body that defines a passenger vialchamber; positioning a sample vial at least partially within thepassenger vial chamber, the sample vial including a sample vial body anda vial cap that is selectively coupled and sealed to the sample vialbody; substantially directly transmitting the fluid sample to the fluidcollector with a fluid line that extends between the fluid source andthe fluid collector such that the fluid sample is received and retainedwithin the sample vial body without exposing the fluid sample to theambient environment that surrounds the fluid sample collection system;and engaging a portion of the sample vial with a cap access facilitatorto selectively couple the vial cap to the sample vial body to seal thesample vial so that the fluid is retained within the sample vial. 39.The method of claim 38 wherein the step of positioning includes thesample vial further including a cap holder that is coupled to the vialcap; and wherein the step of engaging includes engaging and retainingthe cap holder with the cap access facilitator during selective couplingbetween the vial cap and the sample vial body.
 40. The method of claim38 wherein the step of positioning includes moving the sample vial intoand out of the passenger vial chamber through a vial aperture formed inthe collector body; and further comprising the step of sealing aconnection between the sample vial and the collector body adjacent tothe vial aperture when the sample vial is positioned at least partiallywithin the passenger vial chamber with a vial aperture seal.
 41. Themethod of claim 38 wherein the step of providing further includes thecollector body defining an antechamber that is positioned substantiallyadjacent to the passenger vial chamber, the antechamber not being influid communication with the passenger vial chamber; and wherein thestep of engaging includes providing access to the cap access facilitatorvia the antechamber.
 42. The method of claim 38 further comprising thestep of pumping the fluid out of the fluid source and directing thefluid to the sample vial body via the fluid line with a pump.
 43. Themethod of claim 38 wherein the step of providing includes the collectorbody including an aperture; and wherein the step of receiving andretaining includes the steps of extending a fluid pass-through vesselthrough the aperture in the collector body and into the sample vial bodythat is being retained at least partially within the passenger vialchamber, and positioning a vessel distal end of the pass-through vesselnear a bottom of the sample vial body.
 44. The method of claim 38further providing the steps of coupling a fluid parameter testing systemin fluid communication with the fluid collector; receiving excess fluidfrom the fluid collector within the fluid parameter testing system; andsensing at least one fluid parameter of the excess fluid that isreceived from the fluid collector with a sensor of the fluid parameterstesting system.
 45. A fluid sample collection system for directlycollecting a fluid sample from a fluid source without exposing the fluidsample to an ambient environment that surrounds the fluid samplecollection system, the fluid sample collection system comprising: afluid collector including (i) a sample vial that is configured to retainfluid from the fluid source, the sample vial including a sample vialbody, a vial cap that is selectively coupled and sealed to the samplevial body, and a cap holder that is coupled to the vial cap; (ii) acollector body that defines a passenger vial chamber, the sample vialbeing positioned at least partially within the passenger vial chamberduring collection of the fluid, the collector body further defining anantechamber that is positioned substantially adjacent to the passengervial chamber, the antechamber not being in fluid communication with thepassenger vial chamber; and (iii) a cap access facilitator that isconfigured to selectively engage and retain the cap holder of the samplevial to enable a user to selectively couple the vial cap to the samplevial body to seal the sample vial so that the fluid is retained withinthe sample vial, the antechamber being configured to provide access tothe cap access facilitator for the user; a fluid line that extendsbetween the fluid source and the fluid collector, the fluid line beingconfigured to substantially directly transmit the fluid sample to thefluid collector without exposing the fluid sample to the ambientenvironment that surrounds the fluid sample collection system; a pumpthat pumps the fluid out of the fluid source and directs the fluid tothe fluid collector via the fluid line; a system fluid inflow conduitthat is configured to be positioned within and extend through anaperture in the collector body, the system fluid inflow conduit beingconnected to the fluid line; a fluid pass-through vessel that isconfigured to extend through the system fluid inflow conduit, the fluidpass-through vessel providing a conduit through which the fluid flowsfrom outside the collector body and into the sample vial body, the fluidentering the fluid pass-through vessel after the fluid has been removedfrom the fluid source, but prior to the fluid entering the sample vialbody; and a fluid parameter testing system that is configured to receiveexcess fluid from the fluid collector, the fluid parameter testingsystem including a sensor that is configured to sense at least one fluidparameter of the excess fluid that is received from the fluid collector.